HERO’S JOURNEY/MONOMYTH

The Ordinary World/Uncomfortable Home

Harry Potter at the Dursley’s Most heroes are called upon to make a

journey (quest) by urgent necessity. Even though they may dread the summons, it is their response to the fateful call that sets them apart from Everyman.

Call to Adventure

You’re a wizard Harry/Only one to survive

Hints that lead him on his journey

Most heroes are called upon to make a journey (quest) by urgent necessity. It is their response to the fateful call that sets them apart from Everyman.

Refusal of Call I couldn’t be a wizard/Just Harry Fear, not necessarily saying no Heroes are neither fools nor invincible. Even

the nearly invincible heroes have weaknesses. If a hero has no reason to feel fear, his quest cannot be considered heroic.

Learning the Truth about the Past

“A Car Crash? Killed Lilly and James Potter?”

Most heroes find out truths they were unaware of, which leads them to accept their “call”

Meeting Mentor

Meeting Mentor Dumbledore Although the hero is alone, he is seldom without guidance and protection of some sort

Crossing the Threshold/Entering Special World

When Harry decides to take on the challenge, enemies, being the wizard he is.

Happens in each book Hogwarts and Gryffindor

Tests, Allies, Enemies

Malfoy, forbidden forest, Snape, quiddich match, etc…

The hero is rarely without guidance, obstacles, etc…

Approach to inmost Cave Fluffy, chess, keys At some point, the hero must go alone to the

dreaded place. This is the ultimate test, and the hero will feel fear and despair when it approaches.

The Ordeal Facing Professor Quarrel and Voldemort The hero is not the same after emerging from

the darkness of his descent. The change takes many forms, depending on the nature of his quest and the degree of suffering he has undergone.

Reward

The Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s stone

Great Knowledge or insight can be the reward (good trumps evil)

Road Back

Wraps things up Going back to what made the journey

worth it The hero is not the same after emerging

from the darkness of his descent. The change takes many forms.

Return with Elixir/Application of Reward

Shares the “reward” or good news/truth he has won

What he really accomplishes is the attainment of a higher state of being.

Love and Friendship, Strength against Voldemort, House Cup